Wigan: Jewell at the crossroads

PAUL Jewell could well have been wondering if his career had reached a crossroads in Cardiff on Sunday. One thumping loss for the team could soon be followed by an even greater one if Jewell decides to vacate the Wigan Athletic hot seat.

PAUL Jewell could well have been wondering if his career had reached a crossroads in Cardiff on Sunday.

One thumping loss for the team could soon be followed by an even greater one if Jewell decides to vacate the Wigan Athletic hot seat.

Newcastle have already been linked with the forthright Scouser who has enhanced his reputation as a top-class manager this season.

And Jewell will have had time to reflect on the disappointing events in Cardiff where food for thought was in plentiful supply.

Had Wigan won and secured European qualification for next season, Jewell would surely have extended his stay beyond the 11 Premiership games left this season.

Remarkable

United's demolition job, though, confirmed the need to rebuild and re-structure if Wigan are to keep moving onwards and upwards.

And if he is to perform a major overhaul, he may well prefer to do it in different surroundings.

Whatever happens, nothing can detract from his remarkable achievements at Wigan where his steely determination and an ability to bring out the best in his players have singled him out as one of the best young managers in the business.

Latics now have to lick their wounds and regroup but it should be remembered that Premiership survival, now guaranteed, was the sole goal at the start of the season.

A cup final appearance at the Millennium Stadium was simply a bonus.

The coming weeks certainly promise to be very interesting with Jewell very much the centre of attention as the manager whose exploits have already cemented his place in footballing folklore beyond Wigan's boundaries, hence the growing interest from rival outfits.